Merchandise display apparatus

ABSTRACT

A merchandise display apparatus. Two or more modular sections adapted to be cooperatively engaged to each other in an enclosing manner and mounted in a vertical fashion are provided with coupling sections and flanges at the end thereof for facilitating joining the members. The modular sections are adapted to receive a supporting structure which is secured thereto within the enclosure formed by the modular sections. Merchandise display members are vertically secured to the exterior of the modular sections, the display members being secured thereto by spring loaded, pivotal locking supports.

United States Patent David Sept. 5, 1972 [54] MERCHANDISE DISPLAYAPPARATUS 2,010,013 8/1935 ..2l1/174 [72] Inventor: Melvin J. David16221 Quemada Road, Encino, califi 91316 Prlmary ExammerN1le O. Byers,Jr.

AttorneySpensley, l-lorn & Lubitz [22] Filed: Feb. 3, 1971 211 Appl.No.: 112,299 [57] ABSTRACT A merchandise display apparatus. Two or moremodu- [52] U S Cl 211/174 lar sections adapted to be cooperativelyengaged to [5]] MIC. "X4" 5/12 each other in an enclosing manner andmounted in a vertical fashion are provided with p g sections [58] Fieldof Search ..21l/174, 163, 173, 123, 168 and flanges at the end thereoffor facilitating j g the members. The modular sections are adapted to['56] Rafe Cited receive a supporting structure which is secured UNITEDSTATES P thereto within the enclosure formed by the modular sections.Merchandise display members are vertically 1,147,519 7/1915 Link ..2l7/9secured to the exterior of the modular sections the 3,223,247 12/1965Bleed u211/16)? pl y members being Secured thereto y i g 1,875,5639/1932 Cooke ..21 1/163 loaded, pivotal locking Supports. 2,584,947 2/1952 Wallerowrtz ..2l 1/ 174 X 905,608 12/ 1908 Vercoutere ..21 1/ 174 X8 Claims, 6 Drawing figures Patented Sept. 5, 1972 MEL m/ J DAV/D I NVENTOR.

MERCHANDISE DISPLAY APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1 Field of theInvention The present invention merchandise display apparatus isgenerally related todisplay structures and, more specifically, to thosestructures fabricated from modular components.

2. Prior Art With the increasing importance of commercial merchandising,it is becoming evident that more sophisticated structures are needed topermit the merchandiser to more efficiently display his wares. Inaddition, the ability to easily transport and assemble a displayapparatus takes on additional importance when viewed in light of theeconomics involved.

The devices disclosed by the prior art are typically cumbersomestructures which require prefabrication of the total structure or whichrequire complex assembly procedures at the site where it is to beutilized. The present invention merchandise display apparatussubstantially resolves a great many problems left unresolved by thosedevices disclosed in the prior art. The structure is comprised of anumber of identical modular sections which can easily be assembled intothe foundation for the display apparatus. The modular sections have endportions which are adapted to be coupled to adjacent sections throughthe use of an enveloping coupling sleeve which is cooperatively receivedby the end sections of a pair of adjacent modular sections. The exteriorsurface of each modular section is fitted with a number of merchandisedisplay members which are secured to the modular section through the useof a spring-loaded, pivotal locking support which permits the member tobe locked in a position substantially perpendicular to the surface ofthe modular section and be rotated substantially 90 in either directionfrom the locked position. The ability to rotate the merchandise holdingmembers permit preassembly of this portion of the rack structure therebyfacilitating transportation and assembly of the device at the point ofuse.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention merchandise displayapparatusv is one which facilitates transport of the apparatus as wellas assembly at the intended destination. Since one of the problemsassociated with the devices disclosed by the prior art is the cumbersomenature of the devices as well as the inefficiency in using same, thepresent invention is directed toward solving the difticultiesexperienced by manufacturers and users of such devices. Thesuperstructure of the present invention apparatus is formed of modularsections which are substantially identical and, when the modularsections are coupled together, an enclosed area is circumscribed in acylindrical-like manner. The lateral end portions of each modularsection are adapted to be secured to a lateral end portion of anadjacent modular section, the coupling being made by a coupling memberwhich is cooperatively received by the lateral end portions of adjacentmodular sections. The open volume circumscribed by the coupled modularsections receives the supporting frame for the structure.

In order to provide for efficient use of the exterior surface of themodular sections, each section is provided with a number of merchandisedisplay members.

Each member is secured along the longitudinal dimension of each modularsection, the coupling between the merchandise holding member and themodular section being such as to permit prefabrication of the assembly.The coupling between the merchandise display member and the modularsection is a spring-loaded, pivotal locking support permitting pivotalmovement of the merchandise display member while also providing for alocked position at a point substantially perpendicular from the surfaceof the modular section. When the present invention merchandise displayapparatus is to be used, the modular sections are coupled at the lateralends thereof forming the cylindrical-like structure, after which themerchandise holding members are rotated into a locked positionsubstantially perpendicular from the surface of the modular section. Byproviding pivotable merchandise display members, they can be attached tothe modular sections in a prefabricated manner prior to shipping thepresent invention apparatus. The coupling between the merchandisedisplay members and the modular sections permit a more efficient packagefor shipment. In addition, the total structure is one which is easilyassembled and provides a more efficient means for utilizing theapparatus after assembly.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide animproved merchandise display apparatus.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a merchandisedisplay apparatus having pivotable merchandise display members.

It is yet another object of the present ivnention to provide amerchandise apparatus fabricated to modular sections.

It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide amerchandise display apparatus which is inexpensive and simple tofabricate.

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of theinvention, both as to its organization and method of operation, togetherwith further objectives and advantages thereof will be better understoodfrom the following description considered in connection with theaccompanying drawing in which a presently preferred embodiment of theinvention is illustrated by way of example. It is to be expresslyunderstood, however, that the drawing is for the purpose of illustrationand description only, and is not intended as a definition of the limitsof the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is an assembled merchandisedisplay apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side, elevation view of a modular section of a merchandisedisplay apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a modular section of a merchandisedisplay apparatus taken through line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling between two adjacentmodular sections in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the pivotal support shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a side, elevation view of the pivotal support showing thedisplay member in the pivoted position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A better understandingof the present invention merchandise display apparatus can be bestgained by reference to FIG. 1 wherein a perspective view of anembodiment thereof is shown therein generally designated by thereference numeral 10. The present invention merchandise displayapparatus comprises three identical modular sections 11 coupled at endsthereof to form the enclosed volume 12 in a cylindricallike manner.Although FIG. 1 illustrates the use of three modular sections 11, it isunderstood that the number of modular sections 11v could be anypractical number which will permit formation of the closed structureillustrated. Modular sections 11 are coupled at the lateral ends thereofto an adjacent modular section 11 by way of coupling sleeves 13 whichare cooperatively received by the lateral end portions of adjacentmodular sections 11. Display members 14 are pivotally connected to theexterior surface of modular sections 11, display members 14 beingcomprised of a substantially cylindrical rod extending longitudinallyalong modular sections 11 and merchandise supports 16 dependingtherefrom. The pivotal connections between display members 14 and theexterior surface of modular sections 11 comprise a number of guides 17(FIG. 2) having apertures therein to receive cylindrical rod 15 andpivotal locking support 18 to permit display members 14 to be locked ina predetermined position as well as to pivot to a position substantiallyparallel to the surface of modular sections 11. Interior supportingstructure 19 is secured to the interior surfaces of modular sections 1 lto place the present invention merchandise display apparatus 10in anappropriate vertical position for presenting attached merchandise.

Modular sections 11 are preferably fabricated of light-weight deformablemetal such as aluminum, but modular sections 11 could also be fabricatedfrom other conventional material such as a sturdy plastic. The remainingelements of the present invention merchandise display apparatus arepreferably fabricated of a sturdy structural metal.

Referring now to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the structure of modular sections 11 can be best seen. Modular sections 11 as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3each comprise a pair of walls integral with each other, the interiorsurfaces of walls 25 being angularly displaced from each other by 120 ofarc. Where a pair of walls 25 are angularly separated by 120, threemodular sections 11 can be joined in a closed structure producing asix-sided polygon. Although the preferable structure for modular section11 utilizes a pair of walls 25 separated by 120 or arc, it is understoodthat other geometrical configurations are within the the scope of thepresent invention merchandise display apparatus. Flanges 26 depend fromthe opposed lateral edges of walls 25, flanges 26 being terminated byinwardly directed coupling sections 27. Coupling sections 27 areutilized for joining modular sections 11 together as shown in FIG. 1through the use of coupling sleeves 13. This will be more fullydescribed with respect to FIG. 4. Flanges 26 are disposed at an obtuseangle with respect to the exterior surface of walls 25, the obtuse anglebeing approximately 120 of arc.

Each wall 25 is adapted to cooperatively receive a number of pivotallocking supports 18 and guides 17. As shown in FIG. 2, each side wall 25has secured thereto a pair of pivotal locking supports 18 at the bottomend thereof and two guides 17 being secured to walls 25 in longitudinallinear alignment with each pivotal locking support 18. Although FIG. 2illustrates each wall 25 receiving an aligned set of guides 17 and,

pivotal locking supports 18, it is understood that a greater or lessernumber of aligned components are within the scope of the presentinvention. Display members 14 are mounted within each alignedcombination of pivotal locking support 18 and guides 17, each displaymember comprising cylindrical rod-l5 and depending merchandise supports16. When modular section 11 is disposed in a vertical position as shownin FIG. 1, pivotal locking supports 18 restrain vertical movement ofrods 15 while permiting merchandise support 16 to be rotated about theaxis of cylindrical rods 15. Merchandise supports 16 are typicallyspaced in a uniform manner along cylindrical rod 15, but nonuniformconfigurations are within the scope of the present invention. v

The manner in which modular sections 11 are coupled to fabricate thepresent invention merchandise display apparatus 10 as shown in FIG. 1can be best seen by reference to FIG. 4 wherein a cross-sectional viewof a pair of joined modular sections 11 are shown. As shown in FIG. 2and FIG. 3, each modular section 1 1 has a pair of walls 25, each wall25 with a flange 26 depending therefrom at an obtuse angle ofapproximately When the surfaces of a pair of flanges 26 of adjacentmodular sections 11 are placed in abuttment, coupling sections 27 ofeach respective modular section are aligned in a common plane. Inaddition, the laterally opposed surfaces of each wall 25 of respectivemodular sections 11 are aligned to produce an obtuse angle therebetweenof approximately 120 of arc. After flanges 26 and coupling sections 27have been aligned, coupling sleeve 13 is inserted over coupling sections27 securing the respective modular sections 1 1 into a sturdy structure.Coupling sleeve 13 is typically a unitary section of deformable metalwhich is substantially C- shaped, the interior portion of which isadapted to frictionally engage the surfaces of coupling sections 11 in amanner which will prevent inadvertent dislodgement of coupling sleeve13. v

The structure of pivotal locking support 18 can be best seen in FIG. 5and FIG. 6. FIG. 5 illustrates pivotal locking support in the lockedposition, FIG. 6 showing same in the unlocked position. Pivotal lockingsupport 18 includes rod guide 30. Rod guide 30 comprises a center member31 having flanges 32 depending from the lateral edges thereof in aco-planar manner forming a substantially U-shaped bracket. Each flange32 has disposed therein an aperture adapted to receive cylindrical rod15, the apertures adapted to receive cylindrical rod 15, the aperturesin flanges 32 having an axial alignment parallel to center member 31.Diametrically opposed detents 33 are cut or otherwise disposed in an ofcylindrical rod in a manner that would prevent any angular movement ofcylindrical rod 15. Helical spring 35 is disposed about cylincrical rod15, one end of helical spring 35 being abutted against pins 34, theother end of helical spring 35 being in abuttment with surface 36 offlange 32. In the position shown in FIG. 5, helical spring 35 is in itsextended position forcing cylindrical rod 15 in a downward direction,the downward movement of cylindrical rod 15 being terminated by stoppingmember 37. As shown in FIG. 6, cylindrical rod 15 is moved in avertically upward position, pin 34 being angularly rotated to preventengagement between pins 34 and detent 33. In this position, helicalspring 35 is in a compressed position preventing inadvertent rotation ofcylindrical rod 15. Stopping member 38 is secured to the bottom portionof cylindrical rod 15 to limit the upward movement thereof.

The present invention merchandise display apparatus provides anefficient device for displaying merchandise as well as providing anapparatus which is inexpensive and simple to fabricate. One of theprimary objectives of the present invention is to provide a device whichcan be transported and assembled in a simplified manner. Thecharacteristics of the present invention which fulfill these objectivesrelate to the coupling of modular sections 11 and the ability to mountdisplay members 14 prior to shipment. With respect to assembly, modularsections 11 can be easily shipped because of the common structuralprofile of modular sections 11 and, in addition, the simplified mannerin which modular sections 11 can be coupled through the use of couplingsleeves 13 substantially improves the ability to quickly assemble andutilize the present invention apparatus. By providing the ability tomount display members 14 prior to shipment of the apparatus unnecessaryassembly procedures are avoided. By placing display members 14 in theposition shown in FIG. 6, merchandise support 16 can be folded back uponwalls of modular sections 11 thereby substantially eliminating thetransportation and assembly problems. After modular sections 11 havebeen coupled as shown in FIG. 1, display members 14 can be rotated tothe locked position shown in FIG. 5 and thereby quickly be available foruse by the intended user.

I claim:

1. An apparatus for displaying merchandise comprisa. modular sectionseach having walls with an inner and outer surface and flanges dependingoutwardly from the opposed lateral ends thereof, each flange adapted tocooperatively receive a flange of an adjacent modular section wherebysaid modular sections are joined into an enclosing surface;

b. coupling sections depending from each of said flanges in an opposedplanar relationship;

c. a coupling sleeve disposed about said coupling sections of adjacentmodular sections and being in frictional engagement therewith wherebysaid modular sections are coupled to each other forming an enclosedsurface; and

d. display members pivotally secured to the outer surface of saidmodular section walls.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein three modular sections aresecured together, each modular section having a pair of integral walls,the inner surface of said walls being disposed at an angle of 120 of arefrom each other.

3. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said display memberscomprise a cylindrical rod having diametrically opposed pins disposed atan end thereof and merchandise supports perpendicularly dependingtherefrom at uniformly spaced intervals along said cylindrical rod.

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said display members arepivotally secured to said modular sections by pivotal locking supports,said pivotal locking supports comprising a U-shaped bracket, the legs ofsaid bracket having apertures having diameters adapted to receive saidcylindrical rod, one aperture having detents adapted to receive saidpins of said cylindrical rod, ahelical spring disposed about saidcylindrical rod, a first end thereof abutted said pins, the second endthereof abutted against one of the legs of said U-shaped bracket. 7

5. An apparatus for displaying merchandise comprising:

a. three modular sections each having a pair of integrally connectedwalls having an inner and outer surface, the inner surfaces beingangularly separated by of arc, said modular sections having flangesdepending from laterally opposed ends of said walls, said flanges beingangularlly separated from the outer surface of said walls by 120 of arc,said flanges being adapted to cooperatively receive a flange from anadjacent modular section;

b. coupling means for securing said three modular sections into anenclosing surface, said coupling means coupled to said flanges;

c. display members including a cylindrical rod having spaced merchandisesupports perpendicularly depending therefrom, said cylindrical rodhaving diametrically opposed pins extending therefrom at the bottomportion of said cylindrical rod; and

d. pivotal locking supports secured to the outer surface of said wallsat an end thereof and receiving said cylindrical rods, said pivotallocking support comprising a center member and a pair of coplanarmembers depending from the ends of said center member, said co-planarmembers having aligned apertures having diameters greater than saidcylindrical rods, one aperture having detents adapted to receive saidpins of said cylindrical rods, a helical spring disposed about saidcylindrical rod, a first end thereof abutted against said pins, thesecond end thereof abutted against one of said co-planar members.

6. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said coupling meanscomprises coupling sections depending outwardly from said flanges in anopposed planar relationship and a coupling sleeve frictionally engagingsaid coupling sections whereby adjacent modular sections are secured toone another.

7. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said merchandisesupportsare uniformly spaced along said cylindrical rods.

8. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said display members areuniformly mounted upon the walls of said modular sections.

1. An apparatus for displaying merchandise comprising: a. modularsections each having walls with an inner and outer surface and flangesdepending outwardly from the opposed lateral ends thereof, each flangeadapted to cooperatively receive a flange of an adjacent modular sectionwhereby said modular sections are joined into an enclosing surface; b.coupling sections depending from each of said flanges in an opposedplanar relationship; c. a coupling sleeve disposed about said couplingsections of adjacent modular sections and being in frictional engagementtherewith whereby said modular sections are coupled to each otherforming an enclosed surface; and d. display members pivotally secured tothe outer surface of said modular section walls.
 2. An apparatus asdefined in claim 1 wherein three modular sections are secured together,each modular section having a pair of integral walls, the inner surfaceof said walls being disposed at an angle of 120* of arc from each other.3. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said display memberscomprise a cylindrical rod having diametrically opposed pins disposed atan end thereof and merchandise supports perpendicularly dependingtherefrom at uniformly spaced intervals along said cylindrical rod. 4.An apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said display members arepivotally secured to said modular sections by pivotal locking supports,said pivotal locking supports comprising a U-shaped bracket, the legs ofsaid bracket having apertures having diameters adapted to receive saidcylindrical rod, one aperture having detents adapted to receive saidpins of said cylindrical rod, a helical spring disposed about saidcylindrical rod, a first end thereof abutted said pins, the second endthereof abutted against one of the legs of said U-shaped bracket.
 5. Anapparatus for displaying merchandise comprising: a. three modularsections each having a pair of integrally connected walls having aninner and outer surface, the inner surfaces being angularly separated by120* of arc, said modular sections having flanges depending fromlaterally opposed ends of said walls, said flanges being angularllyseparated from the outer surface of said walls by 120* of arc, saidflanges being adapted to cooperatively receive a flange from an adjacentmodular section; b. coupling means for securing said three modularsections into an enclosing surface, said coupling means coupled to saidflanges; c. display members including a cylindrical rod having spacedmerchandise supports perpendicularly depending therefrom, saidcylindrical rod having diametrically opposed pins extending therefrom atthe bottom portion of said cylindrical rod; and d. pivotal lockingsupports secured to the outer surface of said walls at an end thereofand receiving said cylindrical rods, said pivotal locking supportcomprising a center member and a pair of co-planar members dependingfrom the ends of said center member, said co-planar members havingaligned apertures having diameters greater than said cylindrical rods,one aperture having detents adapted to receive said pins of saidcylindrical rods, a helical spring disposed about said cylindrical rod,a first end thereof abutted against said pins, the second end thereofabutted against one of said cO-planar members.
 6. An apparatus asdefined in claim 5 wherein said coupling means comprises couplingsections depending outwardly from said flanges in an opposed planarrelationship and a coupling sleeve frictionally engaging said couplingsections whereby adjacent modular sections are secured to one another.7. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said merchandise supportsare uniformly spaced along said cylindrical rods.
 8. An apparatus asdefined in claim 5 wherein said display members are uniformly mountedupon the walls of said modular sections.